Study: New domains offer .COM alternatives

While many experts continue to suggest brands stick with .COM domain extensions, one new report indicates alternative domain extensions - those known as Generic Top Level Domains (gLTD) are growing in popularity.

This fall Trademark Clearinghouse surveyed marketers at the Ad:TechNY conference and according to their findings nearly half (43%) of marketers say they 'are familiar' with gLTD programs. These alternative domains - like .NYC instead of .COM or .NET - some say will once more change the way consumers find information online. They also believe these new domains will change the way brands do business online.

• 24% of those surveyed say relevant/available domain extensions were 'a concern'
• 12% reported they were concerned with an oversaturated online marketplace
• 40% say they 'are unsure' is new gLTDs will help brands stand out
• 60% say new domains fall under the marketing umbrella
• 20% believe domain names were the responsibility of both marketing and legal

"In this light, the unique position of the Trademark Clearinghouse is crucial as it offers brand owners both the option to register a domain ahead of wider availability and assists them in preventing piracy of their brands," said Jan Corstens, Partner at Deloitte and Worldwide Project Partner for the Trademark Clearinghouse. "Through the Trademark Clearinghouse's Claims Notifications Service, brands can benefit from two critical functions that safeguard their marks and counteract cybersquatters. Firstly, it will forewarn those looking to purchase a domain name when the term they are seeking to register is recorded in the Clearinghouse. Secondly, and most important for brands, those with marks entered into the Clearinghouse will receive a notice when a registration has been made that corresponds with their mark so that they may choose to proceed with legal action if necessary."